For they were a race insular in temper as well as in geographical position.

Their national antipathies were, indeed, in that age, unreasonably and unamiably strong.

Never had the English been accustomed to the control of interference of any stranger.

The appearance of a foreign army on their soil might impel them to rally even round a King whom they had no reason to love.

William might perhaps have been unable to overcome this difficulty; but James removed it.